Dante Lacourte. 2010–2026. IN MEMORIAM
SAN FRANCISCO: THE DEATH OF A 16-YEAR-OLD TEENAGER REVEALS A NEW THREAT: CYCLORPHINE
A SYNTHETIC OPIOID LIKE FENTANYL
SAN FRANCISCO, GENEVA, BUENOS AIRES — OCTOBER 27, 2026 — WORLD ORGANIZATION BULLYING SIN FRONTERAS
The death of Dante Paul Lacourte, a 16-year-old teenager, has highlighted an emerging risk in the illegal drug market in the United States: the circulation of counterfeit pills that may contain extremely toxic synthetic substances.
An investigation by San Francisco authorities identified cyclorphine, also referred to in police reports as cychlorphine, in the teenager’s body. According to police, Dante died in April 2026 from a combination of substances that included this synthetic opioid.
The case prompted an investigation that culminated in September with four arrests and the seizure of more than 20,000 suspected counterfeit pills, as well as other drugs and weapons. However, authorities had not publicly established that any of those arrested had supplied the pill that caused the teenager’s death. The investigation remained ongoing.
A PILL THAT MAY NOT CONTAIN WHAT IT CLAIMS
One of the most concerning aspects of this case is the risk that a pill sold as a familiar medication may contain a completely different substance. Authorities investigated pills designed to imitate medications such as Xanax and oxycodone.
Reports published by U.S. media outlets indicated that cychlorphine may be more potent than fentanyl and that standard fentanyl test strips do not necessarily detect this new opioid. Therefore, a negative result on this type of test does not guarantee that a pill is safe.
The precise potency and risks of an emerging substance must be assessed using toxicological evidence. Comparisons with fentanyl serve as a warning, but they do not replace scientific analysis or make it possible to predict the effects of a specific dose.
FOUR ARRESTS, BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED
The San Francisco Police Department reported that investigators reconstructed some of Dante’s contacts before his death and conducted undercover purchases to identify suspected distribution points. In September, officers executed search warrants at three residences.
PREVENTION MUST BEGIN BEFORE AN EMERGENCY
World Organization Bullying Sin Fronteras emphasizes that protecting adolescents requires clear information, family support, and timely access to healthcare and addiction-prevention services.
Pills obtained outside an authorized pharmacy may contain unknown ingredients, even when their appearance imitates that of a legitimate medication. Their composition cannot be confirmed by their color, shape, or logo.
WORLD ORGANIZATION BULLYING SIN FRONTERAS
Prevention, awareness, and the protection of children and adolescents.
Source
San Francisco Police Department
WORLD ORGANIZATION BULLYING SIN FRONTERAS (BSF)
